SECRETARY (OFFICE AUTOMATION)

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information. The primary purpose of this position is to serve as the office assistant performing various administrative and clerical duties in support of an organization normally found in a major command headquarters. Performs office automation support using multiple programs and software, such as databases, spreadsheets, and graphics, in support of administrative and clerical work. Prepares a wide variety of recurring and nonrecurring correspondence, reports, and other documents from information obtained from the staff, files, and other sources. Prepares and finalizes various recurring reports, determining and modifying format, content, and frequency requirements. Independently composes and prepares nontechnical correspondence such as requests for information concerning the organization's mission and programs; office procedures; and letters of acknowledgment, commendation, or notification. Reviews and processes incoming and outgoing correspondence, materials, publications, regulations, and directives. Screens incoming mail to identify what needs to be brought to the attention of the supervisor, referred to appropriate staff, rerouted to other organizations/offices, or handled personally. Receives telephone calls, greets visitors, and ascertains the nature of the calls or visits. Based upon detailed knowledge of the organization and its programs and operations, determines appropriate action. When supervisor is not available, determines whether important business and high ranking calls and visitors should be referred to another staff member or delayed until supervisor is available, taking telephone messages or making later appointments as appropriate. Independently notes and follows-up on commitments made at meetings and conferences by staff members, and maintains supervisor's calendar, coordinates meeting arrangements, and/or schedules meetings and/or conferences. Schedules appointments and meetings, without prior approval, based on personal knowledge of workload and current issues, and coordinates with the supervisor as necessary. Performs other clerical and administrative work in support of the office/organization. Develops, establishes, updates, and maintains office procedures and records/files of various types to ensure effective and efficient operation of the office. Serves as liaison between the supervisor and subordinate units. Provides advice and guidance to staff in subordinate organizations on administrative, clerical, and procedural requirements and instructions, and responds to fluctuating workloads by shifting clerical staff in subordinate units. Uses multiple office automation software with varied functions to produce a wide range of documents that often require complex formats, such as graphics or tables within text, editing and reformatting electronic drafts, and updating or revising existing databases or spreadsheets.

Experience requirements are described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Clerical and Administrative Support Positions.. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: I have, or within 120 days of the closing date of this announcement will have, one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level (GS 04), pay band (NK-01), or equivalent (pay schedule, pay band, etc). Specialized experience is: Knowledge of Defense Travel System vouchers and authorizations, Microsoft Outlook Calendar scheduling, office functions for support to supervisor and staff in preparing and reviewing correspondence, screen telephone calls and visitors, to maintain supervisor's calendar, and to perform other substantive or administrative work of the organization. The ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.Skilled in typing: 40 words per minute typing speed. OR EDUCATION: Have successfully completed a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree. NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcripts. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: Knowledge of extensive rules, procedures, or operations applied to secretarial and clerical assignments to perform the procedural and administrative work of the office, such as preparing and editing documents, maintaining files/records, making and preparing travel arrangements, locating, assembling and composing information for various reports, inquiries, and nontechnical correspondence. Knowledge of office functions and commitments of supervisor and staff to prepare and review correspondence, to screen telephone calls and visitors, to maintain supervisor's calendar, and to perform other substantive or administrative work of the organization. Knowledge of correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, capitalization, and format to accurately prepare and edit written correspondence and reports. Knowledge of various office automation software programs, tools, and techniques to support office operations and produce a variety of documents such as letters, reports, spreadsheets, databases, and graphs. Skill in typing; a qualified typist is required. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.